While adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet has previously been linked to lower risk of heart disease, stroke and metabolic syndrome, new evidence suggests it’s also associated with less damage to small blood vessels in the brain.
Hannah Gardener, ScD, of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and colleagues followed 966 participants who followed a Mediterranean-style diet. The average age was 72 years old.
The researchers based their findings on higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals and fish, and lower consumption of meat and dairy products. The study also found that a higher ratio of monounsaturated fats to saturated fats caused less small blood vessel damage in the brain, as well as mild to moderate alcohol consumption……Tufts Health & Nutrition Update 7/29/13